Page 32 of One Touch

I covered my burst of laughter with a cough. “She’s fine. This has nothing to do with her.”Lie.I stepped toward the entrance to the Sugar Bowl while Duke stood on the sidewalk, staring up at the wooden sign. “What’s your deal? Come on.”

My best friend stood, silent. His eyes flicked to the busy interior of the popular bakery. A muscle in his jaw twitched.

“Okay, well, I’m going to get a coffee before I hit the road. Do you want anything, or are you planning on getting older while you stand outside?”

My jab got his attention, and he pulled open the door. Inside, the bakery was filled with both townies and tourists. Much like the Grudge, if you knew what to look for, you’d see small groupings of Kings and Sullivans, never intermingled. Tourists made plans for the day or carried bags of knickknacks, while townies casually read newspapers or gossiped with each other.

Although the farm supplied the Sugar Bowl with fresh, local blueberries, in the time I’d known him, Duke almost never visited the bakery. I looked over the menu even though I always got the same thing.

When it was my turn, I stepped up to the register and was greeted by one of the teenage kids Huck typically hired for summer help. “Morning. Large coffee. Black.” I turned to Duke, who was looking around the shop with his arms crossed. “What do you want?”

He turned to me just as someone pushed through the swinging doors that separated the kitchen from the front of the bakery. Carrying a tray of freshly baked pastries, she stopped in her tracks, staring up at Duke.

“You.”

Duke nodded at her but looked away. “Sylvie.”

For a beat, she stared up at him wide eyed before refocusing her attention. “Is ... is Huck expecting a delivery?”

He only stared at the blonde, looking more annoyed than usual, so I jumped in. “Just getting a cup before I head out.” I saluted with the to-go cup I was handed.

Her eyes flicked to mine, and she offered a tense smile. “Great.”

Sylvie lowered her head and began arranging the pastries in the glass display case. I paid for my coffee and tossed a few extra dollars in the tip jar before turning back to my friend.

“What the hell was that?” I asked.

“Are we done? I have to get back.” Duke stomped toward the door and paused only when he was back on the sidewalk.

I shook my head. “What was that about?” I asked again.

He shrugged. “I have no idea what you’re talking about.”

I looked at him just long enough to let him know I thought he was being a fucking weirdo.

“What?” he asked. “Your family doesn’t hate anyone?”

I smirked. “Oh, my parents hate a lot of people, but the way they get even is by becoming best friends and not so subtly one-upping each other and being generally condescending.”

Duke nodded. “Nice.”

I spread my hands. “The soul-sucking games of the wealthy.”

“How’d you stay normal then?”

I looked over at him. “Guess I had a farmer as a best friend to keep me grounded.”

Duke looked down the long road toward Lake Michigan. “You ever think about it? Moving here?” I glanced at him and he shrugged. “Lots of rich vacationers looking for custom homes. The city is only a two-hour car ride away.”

I shook my head. “Nah. I love it here, but my business is in Chicago. My whole life.”

“Yeah, that’s true. I’d probably get sick of having to run interference between you and Katie’s bickering anyway.”

The mere mention of my best friend’s little sister had my pulse galloping.Did he know?

“I, uh ... I think we’re finally coming to some kind of agreement. Getting to a place of understanding, maybe.”

Duke laughed. “Could have fooled me. This morning she spent fifteen minutes complaining about how hardheaded and arrogant you are. That girl has it out for you, man, and I’ve never known her to hate anyone.”

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